Ferme de Moudon

Who can’t have seen the Grand Designs Abroad programme of several years ago where Nicky Dobree, the interiors designer, was seen agonizing over the interiors of her fabulous Les Gets ski chalet with Kevin McCloud? Well this is it, for rent, and for your immense pleasure.

When I stayed at FDM (as it is fondly called), I had the place to myself, and it was one of the most sublime ski chalet experiences I have ever had. Everything is perfection: the interiors, the views, the build, the service, the food. It really is a very special place – beyond perfect.

Ferme de Moudon really set the standard for design-led Alpine luxury ski chalets when it opened. From the outside it is a traditional Savoyard farmhouse, yet inside it is very much more James Bond mountain lair than cookie cutter Alpine traditional.

Light floods in from two vast picture windows, and the large, exquisitely furnished open-plan living space is instantly impressive as well as calming, blending ancient timbers with carefully chosen bespoke furnishings. Timber, leather, lacquer, hide, linen and cashmere are used throughout.

Each room in this perfect ski chalet is beautiful and personal, individually decorated and with ensuite bathrooms that are contemporary and stylish. There are Jo Malone toiletries, white fluffy bathrobes and the softest, thickest loo paper. The colour schemes seem to reflect the mountain colours through the seasons — from lichen to burnt orange, forest green and every shade of brown. Each room is also a blend of old and new timbers with tailor-made beds and bespoke mattresses throughout. The master suite takes up practically the entire upper floor, with uninterrupted views of the valley and mountains beyond.

The chalet sleeps 12, with the option of two more children on extra, super-comfy trundle beds in the family suite.

As you might expect of such a top-class luxury ski chalet, the food and wine offering is out of this world. A full breakfast, afternoon tea and five-course gourmet dinner are on offer. When I stayed, I can honestly say it was one of the top five meals I have ever had anywhere, not just in a ski chalet.

There was a stunningly light baby spinach with crispy bacon and quail eggs starter, followed by an intensely-flavoured pumpkin cappuccino with crayfish then wild salmon on a parsnip puree with sugar snap peas for (the first) main course. The second was a seared duck creation with purple potatoes, while the desserts encompassed a selection of exquisite fruit panacottas and a champagne sorbet with blueberries. Oh, and all this was followed by a full, deliciously creamy, belt-tightening Savoyard cheese board.

Perrier Jouet Grand Brut flows freely and the cellar is filled with exceptional wines such as Chateau Margaux and Chateau Lafite, as well as more affordable options. The house wines are excellent too, and have been carefully selected from top producers.

The chalet has a new, dedicated spa treatment room from winter 2015 with luxurious massage couch and in-house team providing a wide range of massage and beauty treatments at extra cost. There is a sauna, outdoor ice cold shower and outdoor Jacuzzi set in its own private grounds, with stunning views of the mountains – just perfect when accompanied by candle-light and a glass of Perrier Jouet on ice.

Despite its perfection, FDM manages to be properly child-friendly. All children’s facilities are provided for, including nannies, babysitters, high chairs, cots, changing facilities, baby listeners, separate meals etc. There is no minimum age. Anything and everything can be arranged specifically for little ones, from ski schools to making snowmen or cooking with the chef. Les Gets is also particularly family-oriented, with extensive facilities for children of all ages.

The ski chalet’s location: complete privacy and the stunning views of total wilderness — watching the mist rise up the valley, the moon and stars from the terrace at night, candle-lit dinner with friends… Oh, and being able to stay in a little piece of TV history.

Going home and back to reality with a nasty bump.